Canada PR While Studying for International Students

Yes! You Can Apply for PR While Studying in Canada

Canada encourages international students to stay permanently after graduation. While you can’t get Canada PR while studying directly , you can start the process early by:
✔️ Gaining Canadian work experience (part-time/co-op)
✔️ Improving your CRS score (language tests, education)
✔️ Applying for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Key Benefit:

• No need to wait until graduation—you can begin PR preparations immediately!

Best Canada PR while studying Pathways for International Students

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Fastest Route

Eligibility:

• 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC 0, A, or B)
• CLB 5+ (English/French)
• Valid PGWP or work permit

How to Qualify While Studying:

• Work part-time (20hrs/week) during studies
• Switch to full-time work after graduation

Processing Time: 6-8 months (IRCC Portal)

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Student Streams

Many provinces offer PR pathways specifically for students:

Province	Program	Requirements
Ontario	Masters/PhD Graduate Stream	No job offer needed
British Columbia	International Graduate Stream	Job offer required
Manitoba	International Education Stream	Study + work in Manitoba

Pro Tip: Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream invites students with CRS 400+.

3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) → PR

Steps:

1. Graduate from a DLI-approved institution (Check Here)
2. Apply for PGWP (valid for up to 3 years)
3. Work full-time in a skilled job (NOC 0, A, B)
4. Apply for Express Entry or PNP

PGWP Approval Rate: 95% for eligible graduates

How to Boost Your PR Chances While Studying?

1. Work Part-Time in a Skilled Job

• Eligible Roles: Research assistant, IT support, accounting clerk
• Max Hours: 20hrs/week during semesters, full-time in breaks

2. Improve Your CRS Score Early

• Take IELTS/CELPIP (Aim for CLB 9+)
• Learn French (TEF Canada adds 50 CRS points)
• Get Canadian work experience (even internships count!)

3. Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit

• If married, your spouse can work full-time in Canada, boosting family CRS points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 Working illegally (beyond 20hrs/week) → Can ban you from PR
 Choosing a non-PGWP eligible school → Verify DLI List
 Waiting until graduation → Start CRS prep early

FAQs: Canada PR while studying

Q1. Can I apply for PR before graduating?

 Yes! You can submit an Express Entry profile anytime if you meet eligibility (e.g., 1 year work experience).

Q2. Does part-time work count for PR?

 No, but it helps build Canadian experience for PGWP applications.

Q3. What’s the fastest PR route after studies?

 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – 6-8 months processing.

Free Resources

• PGWP Eligibility Checker
• CRS Score Calculator 2025

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